Devin Desktop Setup Guide
Free
Set up the AI editor formerly known as Windsurf for a small code task.
BEGINNER / FORMERLY WINDSURF
1. Set the stage
Current Windsurf setup documentation redirects to Devin Desktop. Use the official current download rather than an old installer from another site.
1. Install the current app
Follow the official download from devin.ai or the Windsurf documentation redirect. Choose your operating system and complete setup.
2. Sign in & open a project
Complete onboarding. Import editor preferences only if useful, then open a small practice repository and confirm its root folder.
3. Review AI settings
Inspect Devin settings, account access, and action permissions. Start with an explanation task before allowing changes or terminal commands.
4. Make a scoped improvement
Use a branch, ask for one small change, and examine the diff. Run the project's normal check and inspect the result in a local preview.
2. Lean working stack
| Stage | Role | | --- | --- | | Devin Desktop | Inspect & edit | | Git | Version the work | | Local checks | Test the change | | Human review | Approve the result |
Arrows in the visual sheet show the order of work. External connections require separate setup. Optional tools may be replaced with ones you already use. This is a suggested stack for this task, not a universal optimum.
Use current names and help
Some existing installations may still use Windsurf folders or labels. Follow current documentation when a menu differs from an old tutorial.
Keep extensions minimal
Start with the built-in AI tools. Do not assume every VS Code extension is compatible or that an old extension workflow still applies.
3. First practice task
Explain this practice repository without editing it. Identify its main entry point and check commands. Propose one small improvement and list exactly how you would validate it.
Your setup is working when
The app opens the intended project, the explanation matches its files, and a later small change passes review and the relevant check.
Troubleshooting
Old instructions? Use current Devin help. Sign-in issue? Check account access. Extension conflict? Disable the extra extension and retest.
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